Spines, Prickles, and Thorns Quiz

What is the definition of a spine in botanical terminology?

• A small sharp outgrowth of the epidermis or bark

• A firm, slender, sharp-pointed structure, representing a modified leaf or stipule

• A stiff, woody, modified stem with a sharp point

• A sharp outgrowth from the epidermis or bark

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, how is a prickle botanically distinguished from a thorn?

• It is a rigid, but comparatively short and slender, sharp-pointed outgrowth from or extension of the epidermis of a plant

• It is a stiff, sharp-pointed, straight or curved woody process on the stem or other part of a plant

• It is a stiff, sharp-pointed process produced or growing from the wood of a plant

• It may be peeled off with the epidermis and does not grow from the wood of the plant

What is the definition of a thorn according to Harris and Harris?

• A stiff, sharp-pointed structure, representing a modified leaf or stipule

• A stiff, woody, modified stem with a sharp point

• A sharp outgrowth from the epidermis or bark

• A small sharp outgrowth of the epidermis or bark

Why is it important to understand the differences between spines, prickles, and thorns in plants?

• To identify plants and have bragging rights

• To impress other botanists

• To understand how different groups of plants are related

• To know which plants are more dangerous

In the Rose Family (Rosaceae), which plants exhibit thorns derived from stem tissue?

• Blackberries

• Hawthorns

• Roses

• Cacti

What is the origin of the word 'prickle' according to the Oxford English Dictionary?

• Middle Dutch

• German

• Middle High German

• Old Saxon

What is the definition of a prickle according to Jackson?

• A stiff, woody, modified stem with a sharp point

• A sharp outgrowth from the epidermis or bark

• A stiff, sharp-pointed structure, representing a modified leaf or stipule

• A small sharp outgrowth of the epidermis or bark

What is the definition of a spine according to Jackson?

• A sharp-pointed woody or hardened body, usually a branch, sometimes a petiole, stipule or other part

• A stiff, woody, modified stem with a sharp point

• A small sharp outgrowth of the epidermis or bark

• A stiff, sharp-pointed structure, representing a modified leaf or stipule

What is the definition of a thorn according to the Oxford English Dictionary?

• A sharp outgrowth from the epidermis or bark

• A stiff, sharp-pointed structure, representing a modified leaf or stipule

• A small sharp outgrowth of the epidermis or bark

• A stiff, woody, modified stem with a sharp point

What is the definition of a prickle according to the Oxford English Dictionary?

• A stiff, sharp-pointed structure, representing a modified leaf or stipule

• A sharp outgrowth from the epidermis or bark

• A small sharp outgrowth of the epidermis or bark

• A stiff, woody, modified stem with a sharp point